Communities in Western Queensland may benefit from more secure, affordable and reliable energy with a $408,954 Federal Government investment to support feasibility studies into microgrids, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.
“Feasibility studies are the first step to unlocking investment in microgrids and their benefits for Windorah and Birdsville,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Ergon Energy will assess options for microgrids with the view to reduce their dependence on diesel.
“We need to be looking at options that will help lower cost of living pressures on families and businesses in the Bush.
“Microgrids can help reduce electricity bills for regional and remote communities but can also deliver benefits for the grid as a whole by saving hundreds of millions of dollars in network costs.”
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the grants are an essential step towards unlocking investment in microgrids and strengthening energy reliability and affordability in the regions.
“Microgrid technology is becoming increasingly cost effective, creating the opportunity for a reliable, low cost, off-grid supply to our regional communities and industries,” Mr Taylor said.
Under Round One of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund, funding for a second project in Maranoa will be delivered.
The Queensland Farmers Federation has been awarded $654,807 for a feasibility study in Stanthorpe and Saint George assessing opportunities for microgrids to offer a more stable network.
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